Exotic Shorthair
An in-depth look at the Exotic Shorthair, covering its Persian heritage, specific health risks like PKD and breathing issues, and its unique history.
Exotic Shorthairs are essentially Persians with a short, dense coat, developed in the late 1950s to combine the Persian's body type with easier grooming. This genetic link means they share the same distinct facial structure and associated health challenges, particularly regarding their airways and kidneys.
History of a secret crossbreed
The breed originated from a covert effort in the late 1950s when American Shorthair breeders used Persians as an outcross to improve body type, sometimes also crossing with Russian Blues or Burmese. While the look gained traction in show rings, unhappy American Shorthair breeders pushed for a standard that would disqualify any cat showing these crossbred traits. One breeder saw the potential in the Persian-American Shorthair mix and convinced judge Jane Martinke to recognize it as a distinct breed in 1966, naming it the Exotic Shorthair. By 1987, the Cat Fanciers' Association closed the breed to further outcrosses, making the Persian the only allowable source for new blood.
Appearance and the longhair gene
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium to large cat with a large, round head, prominent full cheeks, and small, rounded ears set low to create a broad, balanced silhouette. Their eyes are large and round, contributing to a distinctive expression, while the tail remains short in proportion to the body. Despite the name, the breed is not genetically uniform regarding coat length because the recessive longhair gene is common in the population. When two Exotics carrying this gene mate, there is a 1 in 4 chance of producing a longhaired kitten. These longhaired offspring are not classified as Persians by the Cat Fanciers' Association, though The International Cat Association accepts them as such, and the American Cat Fanciers Association registers them as a separate Exotic Longhair breed.
Health risks of the flat face
Like their longhaired cousins, Exotics are brachycephalic, meaning their nose and eyes are positioned so closely that the face appears pushed in. This anatomy leads to Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome, a condition causing upper airway abnormalities that increase resistance, inflammation, and strain on the heart. Management requires weight control, surgical intervention in severe cases, and avoiding hot or humid environments. The same skull structure that gives them their characteristic look also causes dystocia, or abnormal labor, due to the large-domed skulls of the kittens.
Genetic disease and screening
Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a significant concern for the breed, with prevalence rates between 40 and 50% in developed nations. This hereditary condition can lead to kidney failure, and DNA screening is recommended for all breeding cats to reduce incidence by spaying or neutering affected animals. Conversely, Exotic Shorthairs appear to have a genetic resistance to urate urolithiasis; in a review of over 5,000 cases, only one Exotic was recorded, making the breed significantly under-represented for this condition. Another specific issue is corneal sequestrum, a necrosis of the cornea with an unknown origin.
Rise in popularity and recognition
The breed's acceptance was driven by advocates who recognized the value of a Persian with a manageable coat. The Cat Fanciers' Association first accepted the Exotic for Championship status in 1967, and the first Grand Champion was achieved in 1971. International recognition followed in 1986 with the Fédération Internationale Féline. The breed's success was cemented in the early 1990s when an Exotic was named Cat of the Year in 1991 and Best Kitten in 1992 by the CFA.